Dr. Robert Louis Bell, Jr.

May 10, 1934 - September 18, 2023

Dr. Robert Louis Bell Jr. was a beloved husband, father, friend, and community volunteer. He entered eternal rest on September 18, 2023, at age 89.

He was born to Robert Louis Bell, Sr., and Alma Marie Bell on May 10, 1934, and he was the eldest of eight siblings. Robert had the great fortune of meeting his future wife, Mattye Roberts Bell, in elementary school. After graduating from Texas Southern University (TSU), they married and had two children: Allison and Millicent.

Robert loved drama, fashion design, and running. He participated in theater productions in high school, and while at TSU, he sang the part of Escamillo in the opera, Carmen. He was a fan of Edith Head and used her work as inspiration when designing pieces for his wife and daughters. Robert began running in middle age, and he participated in the Houston Fit Marathon. He ran his last race at the age of 80 and was even featured on Channel 13 KTRK for this accomplishment.

Robert was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He pledged the Delta Theta Chapter while at Texas Southern University in 1952. During his time in the fraternity, Robert took on many roles, but what he truly cherished was the lifelong friendships he made during that time.

Robert was a gifted student. He began college at the age of sixteen, and he began graduate school at the University of Texas in Austin before the university was fully integrated. He never let racial injustices of his state or even his school deter him from achieving his academic goals. He completed his master’s degree in psychology and received his doctorate in psychology in 1961. Later in life, he attended the University of Texas School of Public Health and received a master’s degree in public health. His passion for education was clearly undeniable.

Robert was trailblazer in his field of psychology. It is believed that he was the first licensed black psychologist in Texas. He was the first black administrator and the first full-time professor at Rice University. He was also the first black adjunct professor at Baylor University. Robert used his knowledge to better his community. He conducted workshops across the country on psycho drama therapy and provided trainings on race relations and civic engagement to the Houston Police Department. Robert also partnered with other psychologists to form Forenpsyche, a forensic psychology business.

His life was dedicated to the mental health of the community including organizations, agencies, adults, teens, children, and families as well as mentoring new professionals in the field of psychology and private practice. Robert worked with Dr. Robert Austin, a pediatrician, and Bill Crossland, an administrator of the Houston Independent School District, to create an organization called “The Brotherhood” with the goal to encourage at-risk Black male high school students to further their education by attending college. They assisted students with applying to college and obtaining scholarships.

Robert’s dedication applied not only to his work but also his family. He enjoyed spending time with Mattye, Allison, and Millicent. He taught his daughters how to read before they started elementary school. He and Mattye told them that they could be whatever they wanted to be and to never to subscribe to societal beliefs about black people especially black women. When Mattye became ill, Robert took care of her and supported his children when she left this world on

March 27, 1993.

Robert is survived by his daughter Allison Bell, daughter Millicent Green (Frank Green), granddaughter Millicent Grant (Milo Taylor), and granddaughter, Madison Green. He was predeceased by his sister Alma Bell, sister Helen Stern and brother Edward Bell. He is survived by his sister Addie Vital (Octave), sister Ann Zachary, sister Rosy Meza and brother Charles Bell (Phoebe).

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 pm on November 18, 2023, at Rice Memorial Chapel on the campus of Rice University. Please consider a donation on behalf of Dr. Robert Louis Bell Jr. to Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast and/or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.